February 10, 2004 - Archdiocese of Milwaukee
TEACHERS’ TOOL KIT
This Tool Kit contains suggestions for incorporating “clean clothes” - anti-sweatshop - concepts into educational endeavors at home, in schools and in parish programs. Reflections on Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching are included.
The Tool Kit has five sections. Each section has an index. Either you can scroll through the whole kit or you can click on a section that interests you, and then once there click on the title of a particular subject. You are welcome to make a copy of these resources by highlighting, cutting and pasting it/them into a new document on your own computer and giving credit for origin.
As you develop additional resources, we encourage you to indicate the level for which each is appropriate and send them (in Word format) to wmo@ for inclusion in this Tool Kit. Unfortunately, we are unable to incorporate hard copy materials. If you are forwarding copyrighted materials, please be sure the source is clearly indicated and that you have secured permission for including them here.
1. Teacher Resources and Background
2. Videos and Books for Free Loan
3. Primary Grades
4. Intermediate Grades and Middle School
5. High School and Up
Teacher Resources and Background:
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan’s Labor Day 2004 Message:
Letter From Educators’ Committee
Clean Clothes Educators’ Contact List
A Primer on Sweatshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Getting Started: Sweatshop Brainstorm
Ideas For Creating a Classroom Environment
Suggestions for activities:
Catholic Social Teaching
Prayer Service
Brochure for Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign:
Tools for Action
Teacher Resources available for purchase:
Anti-sweatshop Web Resources for Teachers and Students
FROM ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY M. DOLAN’S LABOR DAY 2004 MESSAGE:
…I invite you to see Labor Day, though, not just as the end of summer, but as an opportunity to praise God for the gift of work, to remember those without it, and to express our allegiance to Church teaching that the laborer deserves dignity, respect, and fair wages.
The Catholic Church in the United States has always been on the side of the worker. That’s for two reasons. The first is a practical one: until about two generations ago, the vast majority of American Catholics were laborers, sweating in fields, factories, mines, and industry. They could barely make it, and depended upon collective bargaining, unions, and support of the Church to defend their rights. The second reason is a moral one: gospel values, as enshrined in centuries of the Church’s social justice teaching, demanded that “the laborer deserved his pay” and that wages, working conditions, and job security were religious as well as economic issues.
A fundamental Catholic belief is that of valuing and respecting the sacredness of human life. Our immigrant ancestors came to these shores seeking religious freedom and economic security. Over a period of many decades our forefathers participated, often with great personal sacrifice, in the struggles for a living wage, safe working conditions and all the rights that full citizenship guaranteed.
The basis for these struggles was the traditional Catholic biblical teaching that all persons on this earth are created in God’s own image and likeness. Because of this teaching, our ancestors were deeply committed to the intrinsic dignity and worth of each person, regardless of ethnic background, national origin, or human achievements.
That belief is now being tested in a new way. The powerful potential of technology to create interdependent economic ties among nations can be abused. It is frequently used to exploit workers in distant parts of the world so that affluent societies can continue to enjoy a lifestyle that the resources of this earth cannot long support. We Catholics who live in this nation full of abundance might forget that the worth and dignity of each individual are not confined to our national boundaries, but include all peoples on this earth. They, too, have the same rights to decent wages and, especially at this moment, safe working environments that correspond to their human dignity as individuals created and loved by God.
Pope John Paul II has frequently pointed out the importance of the virtue of solidarity in today’s political and economic world. That virtue, to be meaningful, must be put into practice through concrete attitudes and deeds as we work cooperatively in economic spheres with other nations. We are continually challenged to collaborate with people around the world for just and equitable labor standards. Our efforts show themselves by our serious concern for the well-being of all without exception.
I have just become aware of a movement called the “Clean Clothes Campaign.” Since January, a team of educators here in southeastern Wisconsin has been providing educational materials to parents through our Catholic schools. This fall they are inviting broader participation through parish and religious education programs. Embracing this effort will strengthen our Church locally as we work for global justice in the workplaces that supply so much of what we wear and use today.
During this Labor Day holiday I invite you to consider ways in which you will commit yourself to solidarity and make a difference in the lives of people who, without knowing you, are such a significant part of your life. In this way we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors whose personal sacrifices contributed to the improved working environment many of us enjoy today.
Blessings on all who strive to put into practice Christ’s teaching about love of neighbor.
LETTER FROM EDUCATORS’ COMMITTEE:
To Our Fellow Educators:
The Prophet Micah alerts us to what God requires of us: “…to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8). How can we as Roman Catholic educators live out what Micah challenges us? How can we in the twenty-first century meaningfully live words that were written so long ago?
One way to live the above challenge is to participate in an exciting program for students, the Clean Clothes Campaign. This program helps all of us tackle an important social justice issue: sweatshops. It allows us all to thoroughly examine this issue and reflect upon it in light of what we believe as Roman Catholics.
The Tool Kit is a sampling of what is offered to you as an educator of this and other social justice issues. In this kit, you shall find information about how to go about implementing this type of social awareness project. You will also discover materials that examine this issue in light of Catholic Social Teaching, Scripture, and our Tradition. Finally, you will gain a newer perspective on people working in sweatshops, people with names, faces, and stories of which we generally do not know.
We pray for you as you use these materials to further your own and your students’ understanding of sweatshops. We pray that the Spirit will guide you and your students to a deeper understanding of the words of Micah: “…to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
If you would like to join this committee, please contact one of us. We welcome new ideas and would be delighted to expand our vision and resources through you!
Sincerely,
The Clean Clothes Campaign
Educators’ Committee
Jeff Danner, teacher St Roman, Milwaukee
Tim Dewane, director SSND Office of Global Justice and Peace
Rose Feess, SSND, teacher Notre Dame Middle School, Milwaukee
Mike Heimbach director Gesu Youth and Adult Formation
Mike Howden, coordinator Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign
Rosemary Huddleston, OP coordinator World Mission Ministries
Jeanne Karl, principal St Mary, West Bend
Connie Molbeck, teacher San Juan Diego, Racine
Cyndi Nienhaus, CSA teacher St Mary, Elm Grove
Diana Portlance, teacher St Mary and others, West Bend
Sue Schmitt teacher St John Vianney, Brookfield
Betty Uchytil, SSND principal St Roman, Milwaukee
CLEAN CLOTHES EDCATORS’ COMMITTEE CONTACT LIST:
As of January 2005, the following are members of the Clean Clothes Educators’ Committee. We welcome anyone who would like to participate in our infrequent, energizing meetings. Please let Rosemary Huddleston know if you are interested.
| | |
|Jeff Danner, Teacher |Betty Uchytil, SSND, Principal |
|St Roman School |St Roman School |
|1810 W Bolivar |1810 W Bolivar |
|Milwaukee, WI 53221 |Milwaukee, WI 53221 |
|414-289-0701 home |414-282-7970 work |
|414-282-7970 work |srbetty@ |
|jdanne@ | |
| |Connie Molbeck, Teacher |
|Sue Schmitt, Teacher |St Patrick Parish/San Juan Diego School |
|St John Vianney School |4612 Erie St |
|17500 W Gebhardt Rd |Racine, WI 53402 |
|Brookfield, WI 53045 |262-639-8720 home |
|414-778-0405 home |molhohl@ |
|262 796 3942 | |
|sues@ |Rosemary Huddleston, OP, |
| |International Mission Coordinator |
|Mike Howden, Coordinator |World Mission Ministries Office |
|Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign |3501 S Lake Dr |
|1430 N 40th St |P O Box 070912 |
|Milwaukee, WI 53208 |Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912 |
|414-342-5284 home |414-769-3405 work |
|mhowden@ |huddlestonr@ |
| | |
|Rose Feess, SSND, Teacher |Cyndi Nienhaus, CSA. teacher |
|Notre Dame Middle School |St Mary School |
|726 West Scott |13000 Juneau Blvd. |
|Milwaukee, WI 53204 |Elm Grove WI 53122 |
|414-383-4940 home |262 786 6939 home |
|414 -671-3000 work |262 782 7057 work |
|rfeess@ssnd- |srcyndi@ |
| | |
|Tim Dewane, Dir. Global Justice & Peace |Mike Heimbach, director |
|School Sisters of Notre Dame |Gesu Parish Youth and Adult Ministry |
|13105 Watertown Plank Rd |1210 West Michigan Av |
|Elm Grove, WI 53122 |Milwaukee WI 53201 |
|262-787-1023 work |414 288 7412 |
|262 514 3343 home |michael.heimbach@marquette.edu |
|tdewane@ssnd- | |
| |Diana Portlance, Teacher |
|Jeanne Karl, Principal |St Mary’s, West Bend |
|St Mary’s, West Bend |1712 Creek Rd #105 |
|4895 Hwy 28 |West Bend, WI 53090 |
|Kewaskum, WI 53040 |262-306-9060 home |
|262-626-2989 home |diana_portlance@ |
|262-338-5602 work | |
|karlj@ | |
| | |
A PRIMER ON SWEATSHOPS
For an overview: check this website:
Question 1: What is the definition of sweatshops located within the borders of the United States?
Answer 1: Places of employment, under the regulation of the U.S. Department of Labor that meets at least two of the following criteria:
1. Pays workers less than legal minimum wage.
2. Requires workers to work long periods without adequate breaks.
3. Fails to keep accurate records as to wages owed individual employees.
4. Does not compensate employees when they are entitled to overtime pay.
5. Have numerous unsafe working conditions as defined by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
6. Illegally employ minors.
Question 2: How do “sweatshops” located in developing countries that produce goods for American companies who ultimately sell these goods to American consumers differ from “sweatshops” located within the United States?
Answer 2: In addition to the possible circumstances listed in Answer 1, the following may also apply to “sweatshops” in developing countries:
1. No or merely cursory company-sponsored monitoring of working conditions.
2. Physical abuse of workers by overseers.
3. Workers may live at their places of employment in filthy quarters.
4. Workers may be indentured servants.
5. Male overseers routinely take sexual advantage of female employees.
6. Workers may be political prisoners (e.g., China).
7. Workers are physically forced to work whatever number of hours management demands (e.g., consecutive 18 hour shifts).
8. Management charge workers for meals and lodging that may exceed the workers’ wages (e.g., workers are perpetually in debt to the “company store”).
Question 3: Within the United States, what types of businesses tend to have a higher incidence of “sweatshop” conditions that average?
Answer 3: Industries with higher than average incidences of “sweatshop” conditions in the United States are as follows:
1. Foodservice (e.g., restaurants)
2. Garment Industry – largely in New York and Los Angeles.
3. Meat Packing Plants
4. Poultry Processing Plants.
5. Agriculture (i.e., migrant workers).
6. Small Manufacturing facilities
Question 4: What types of industries in developing countries, which supply products for U.S. companies, are most likely to have “sweatshop” conditions?
Answer 4: In those developing countries without adequate government regulation and viable labor unions, “sweatshop” conditions may exist in any industry (e.g., steel, auto, electronics, etc.)
Question 5: According to advocacy groups for workers’ rights, what are some of the U.S. companies that have directly or indirectly contracted with sweatshops located either within the United States or in foreign countries?
Answer 5: A partial listing of well-known U.S. companies that, according to worker advocacy groups, have sold products produced in sweatshops include:
1. May Department Stores (e.g., Lord & Taylor)
2. Nike
3. J.C. Penney
4. Wal-Mart
5. Disney
6. Sears
7. Target
8. Kohls
As Roman Catholics, each of us needs to be concerned about “sweatshop” working conditions. The Social Teachings of the Catholic Church argue strongly against “sweatshop” conditions for workers. Some of the Church documents that address the dignity of the human workers are as follows:
1. Rerum Novarum, 1891, #32: “No man may outrage with impunity that human dignity (of workers) which God himself treats with reverence…(For a worker) to consent to any such treatment which is calculated to defeat the end and being of his being is beyond his right’ he cannot give up his soul to servitude; for it is not man’s own rights which are here in question but the rights of God most sacred and inviolable.”
2. Pacem in Terris, 1963, #18ff: “It is clear that (the human person) has a right by the natural law not only to an opportunity to work, but also to go about (that) work without coercion. To these rights is certainly joined the right to demand working conditions in which physical health is not endangered, and young people’s normal development is not impaired. Women have the right to working conditions in accordance with their requirements. Furthermore, and this must be especially emphasized, the worker has a right to a wage determined according to the criterion of justice and sufficient therefore…to give (workers and their) families a standard of living in keeping with dignity of the human person.”
3. Economic Justice for All: A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (A Statement of the U.S. Bishops), 1996, #10: “The global economy has moral dimensions and human consequences. Decisions on investment, trade, aid, and development should protect human life and promote human rights, especially for those most in need wherever they might live on the globe.”
As Catholics, consumers, and shareholders it is important for us to become better informed about sweatshops and their impact on workers and families. To facilitate additional knowledge, you may wish to get on the mailing list of at least one of the organizations listed below that monitor sweatshops.
• Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, 4th floor, Chicago, Illinois 60626, phone (773) 728-8400. Web Site: nicwj.
• National Labor Committee, 275 Seventh Avenue, 15th floor, New York, NY 10001, phone (212) 242-3002. Web Site:
United Students Against Sweatshops, 1710 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, phone (212) 265-7000. Web Site: umich.edu
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Sweatshop? The term sweatshop was first used in the 19th Century to describe the profits that were “sweated” from workers by their employers. While sweatshops were common during the early decades of the 20thCentury, the labor movement and compassionate legislation were supposed to make sweatshops a thing of the past. A century later, Americans are becoming increasingly aware that oppressive labor conditions in he United States, as well as abroad, are not just part of our history, but tragically part of our present. The term “sweatshop” has had to be revived.
The U.S. General Accounting Office developed a government definition of a sweatshop as “an employer that violates more than one federal or state labor law governing minimum wage and overtime, child labor, industrial homework, occupational safety and health, workers’ compensation or industry regulation, a chronic or a multiple labor-law violator.
According to UNITE, the garment workers’ union, a sweatshop has long hours, unlivable wages and no benefits – no paid holidays, no vacations, no insurance, no pension. Workers in sweatshops are subject to arbitrary discipline and poor working conditions including oppressive heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. Usually they are lawless operations, evading no only wage and hour laws, but also paying no taxes and operating in the underground economy hidden from public view. Some workplaces, be they modern factories, fields, nursing homes, or sparkling hotels, may not appear offensive at first glance. Yet the paltry wages, lack of health care coverage, and safety and health hazards, conspire to create sweatshops which degrade workers. The extent to which work is “sweated” in these shops can be gauged by the living and health conditions of the workers.
Sweatfree Communities adds: A sweatshop is a workplace where workers are subject to extreme exploitation, including the absence of a living wage, poor working condition, denial of their rights and arbitrary discipline. Workers in sweatshops typically work long hours for sub-poverty paychecks. They are frequently not paid for overtime. They are not allowed to organize unions in order to improve their conditions. Sweatshops also frequently include other abuses such as child labor, unsafe working conditions, inhumanely long working hours, physical punishment or humiliation for mistakes.
Where do we find sweatshops? In United States sweatshops are particularly prevalent in the garment industry. The Department of Labor estimates that more than half of the sewing shops in United States violate minimum wage and overtime laws. It is estimated that 75% violate safety and health laws. These sweatshops exist in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, El Paso, New Orleans, part of New Jersey, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Antonio and Portland OR.
Other U.S. “sweat” industries are poultry, nursing homes and personal care agencies, agricultural farm work and restaurants.
It is difficult to estimate how many sweatshops there are in other countries. The International Labor Organization estimates that in other countries there are about 250,000,000 children working instead of going to school.
Why are sweatshops proliferating? Big retail and apparel companies are in a global race to increase profits by driving down production costs. As they source merchandise from all over the world, they search for places where workers are paid low wages. In these same areas human rights are trampled and environmental protection is ignored.
There are no international laws that require corporations to respect workers’ rights or even to pay a living wage. Current trade laws encourage companies to make their products in places with the worst conditions and lowest wages, places where workers are not free to stand up for their rights and protect themselves. The “structural adjustment” policies of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank encourage countries to become sweatshop havens.
This dynamic is driving us all into a race to the bottom. Factories with decent conditions in the U.S. and Canada, as well as decent factories overseas get shut down as sweatshops open up in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, as well as in Mexico, Honduras, Indonesia, and China.
What can be done? In recent years students, faith-based communities, trade unionists and others have worked to clean up the apparel industry, often partnering with sweatshop workers to put pressure on the huge retail chains that control the apparel industry. Retailers have thus far refused to make significant changes, but concerned consumers will continue to increase pressure in this direction.
College students have introduced an additional approach to the problem by persuading many colleges and universities to insist on decent conditions in the factories where college sweatshirts, caps and similar items are made. Now citizens in communities across the country are persuading cities, counties, states and schools districts to adopt this same logic for the apparel goods they purchase. You too can help in this effort.
adapted from SweatFree communities 2002-2003
and National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice’s Organizing Kit
Most of the clothing and footwear, and a significant portion of many other products sold in this country are made in sweatshops in United States or in other countries. We, the consumers, hold the power to change how corporations behave when we organize and work in solidarity with sweatshop workers. We have the power.
GETTING STARTED:
To get a Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) started in your area contact the CCC Educators’ Committee to have a speaker come for a presentation to:
• the students in your class
• the staff
• a committee which makes decisions about uniforms, athletic wear, etc.
Check the Educators’ Committee list above for contact information
GETTING STARTED: SWEATSHOP BRAINSTORM
Description:
The Sweatshop Brainstorm is a useful introductory exercise that helps find out what participants already know about sweatshops. Using this information as the starting point the educator provides additional information and analysis to build on what students know and challenge misconceptions and biases.
Notes:
• Establishes what students know and don’t know about the issue.
• Gets students involved from the beginning.
• Doesn’t take much time.
• Can be used as introduction or the basis for a program design.
• Adaptable to almost any size group.
How to do the exercise:
✓ Write “SWEATSHOPS” on a black board flip chart.
✓ Ask students to “brain-storm” key words they associate with the term “SWEATSHOPS”.
✓ Record the information on a flip chart.
✓ If you have the time, move into a more “guided discussion” using some or all of the following questions:
o Where do sweatshops exist?
o Who works in sweat-shops and why?
o What companies or brands use sweatshops?
o What are common sweatshop conditions and abuses?
o What are people doing to change things?
o Who is involved in these efforts?
o Where did you get your information about sweatshops?
Record all participants’ answers on flipchart paper, including incorrect answers.
You can refer back to this information throughout the rest of your work on this issue. For example, after you’ve provided “new information” through a video or presentation, you might want to ask students how they would add to or change their sweatshop list.
IDEAS FOR CREATING A CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:
• Create a Bulletin Board Display. Include pictures, charts, and newspaper articles. Use captions to share questions, quotations or titles to evoke student interest. Encourage students to view the displays and ask questions. The Bulletin Board could be an excellent source of journal writing questions.
Possible Bulletin Board Captions
o Uniform Injustice?
o Too Much Homework…?
o Can YOU Shop Till They Stop?
o Sweatshop in Your Closet?
o Dressed for Justice?
• Create a clothing rack display. Borrow a laundry rack and hang clothes. Post a sign next to the rack that reads: “Can you tell which of these was made by exploited or child labor?”
SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES:
After your students have learned about issues related to sweatshops and child labor, they could:
• Write letters to corporations such as Nike, Disney, or Wal-Mart encouraging a change in labor practices.
• Write letters or speak to people in power in your school; boards, administrators, athletic associations, etc., asking them to choose sweat free clothing.
• Older students could give presentations to younger students about the issues
• Create a play or a video, which dramatizes the problem, and perform it
• Raise money for Free the Children, which actually buys children out of slavery and puts them in school
• Brainstorm to come up with their own ideas; kids are amazingly creative.
• Have an event where many vendor cards are collected and handed into one store such as Wal-Mart, or a locally popular store.
• Students in religious education classes who attend public school could take these issues back to the public schools and encourage those choosing athletic uniforms, cheerleaders, spirit wear, etc. to choose sweat free clothing.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING:
A Catholic Framework for Economic Life (NCCB 1996)
• The Catholic Church views global economic justice issues through the lense of Catholic Social Teaching.
• The economy exists for the person, not the person for the economy.
• All people have the right to economic initiative, productive work, just wages and benefits, decent working conditions, as well as right to organize or join union or other associations.
• A fundamental moral measure of any economy is how the poor and vulnerable are faring.
• Workers, owners, managers, stockholders and consumers are moral agents in economic life. By our choices, initiative, creativity, and investment, we enhance or diminish economic opportunity, community life and social justice.
• The global economy has moral dimensions and human consequences. Decisions on investment, trade, aid, and development should protect human life and promote human rights, especially for those most in need wherever they might live on this globe.
Quotes from Economic Justice for All (US Catholic Bishops, 1986)
• Employers are obligated to treat their employees as persons, paying them fair wages in exchange for the work done and establishing conditions and patterns of work that are truly human. (Section 69)
• But justice, not charity, demands certain minimum guarantees. The provision of wages and other benefits sufficient to support a family in dignity is a basic necessity to prevent this exploitation of workers. (Section 103)
• …Foreign investors, attracted by low wage rates in less developed countries, should consider both potential loss of jobs in the home country and the potential exploitation of workers in the host country. (Section 279)
Quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Everyone should be able to draw from work the means of providing for his life and that of his family, and of serving the human community. (2428)
• A just wage is the legitimate fruit of work. To refuse or withhold it can be a grave injustice. In determining fair pay both the needs and the contributions of each person must be taken into account. (2434)
• All of us are consumers and most of us are workers. We begin with dialogue and the realization that justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due. (1836)
Scripture:
Woe to the one who builds a house by unrighteousness, and upper rooms by injustice; who makes neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages;
But your eyes and heart are only on your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood and for practicing oppression and violence. Jeremiah 22:13,17
Listen? The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your herds in a day of slaughter. James 5:4-5
THESE SCRIPTURE CITATIONS ARE PROVIDED AS AN AID IN PREPARING SPECIAL LITURGIES, COMMUNAL PENANCES, BIBLE DEVOTIONS DEALING WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE, CHRISTIAN SERVICE, PEACE, OR CHURCH RENEWAL.
OLD TESTAMENT
I Sam. 15:22 – Excessive formalism vs. obedience to God
Isaiah 1:10-20 – Religious hypocrisy.
Isaiah 2: 1-5 – Turn swords into ploughshares.
Isaiah 3:13-15 – Grinding the face of the poor.
Isaiah 5:1-7 – God’s people (vineyard) produce bitter fruit of injustice.
Isaiah 5:8-9 - Woe to those who hoard riches.
Isaiah 10:2 – What happens when we turn our backs on poor
Isaiah 29:13 – Lip service only
Isaiah 53:1-12 – God doesn’t want empty worship or meaningless religious exercise. He wants conversion of heart that produces justice, love and mercy.
Isaiah 61: 1-2 – Mission of Christ foretold.
Ezekiel 16:49 – Woe to the one who does not aid the poor
Hosea 6:6 – Love, not empty worship
Micah 2:1-2 – Woe to the oppressor
Micah 6:8 – Act justly.
Micah 6:9-13 Dishonesty condemned
Jer. 6:13-16 they cry. “Peace!” and there is no peace
Jer. 6:20 – Your worship is not pleasing
Jer. 7:1-11 – Amend your behavior
Zk. 7:9-10 – Justice and mercy
Ps 9:9 – Strength for the oppressed
Ps 12:5 – Protection for the poor
Ps. 14: 31 God’s reaction to how the poor are treated
Ps. 40 – Regard for the lowly and poor
Ps. 41: 17 – God is with poor prople
Ps. 69:33 – God hears the needy
Ps 72 – God liberates and defends poor and oppressed
Ps 82 – No more mockery of justice
Deut 15:4 – Let there be no poor among you
Deut. 24:17-22 – Jewish welfare system
Deut 30 – Choose life. National priorities
Ez 34 – Responsibilities of leaders and authorities – (shepherds) – e.g. religious, civic, business, etc.
Ez. 39 – The “dry bones” of the Church and our communities and nation can be renewed by prophecy and the Holy Spirit.
Sir or Ecc. 3:30 – 4:11 – Charity toward poor.
Ec. 4:1-3 – The power of oppressors and the tears of the weak.
Lev. 19:9-15 – Brotherhood
Lev 25:35-38 – Jewish welfare system
Amos 5:14-15 – Establish justice
Amos 5:21-24 – God does not want empty, meaningless religious exercises, but rather worship that expresses true conversion and renewal that produces justice.
Amos 6:1 and 3-6 – Woe to the rich
Amos 8:4-7 – The powerful trample on the poor and needy.
PRAYER SERVICE:
Leader’s Copy
Write the Vision Down…
INTRODUCTION
There is a power in us that borders on the holy and that is probably an understatement. But what else could Jesus have been speaking of when He told us that if we believe in Him. We will do the same miracles that He has done and even greater ones. Jesus took all of His hidden dreams and laid them on the people. His vision became a gospel. Our vision has the same destiny.
I am told that there are folks
who refuse to dream
because their vision
has been so seemingly shattered
like dreams that die at birth.
And so they hide them
in small corners of their hearts
and pretend they aren’t there.
But, as for me,
I am almost sure
that in the Body of Christ
that we call the Church
we have the power
to help each other’s dreams come true.
For in dark moments
when light has hidden its face for awhile
we are the stars
meant to shine for each other
And we do!
More than anything else
I would like to remind you
that the vision hidden within you
has the power
to become a gospel.
And it is important for you to know that
as it is for the sun to shine
or the rain to fall
or a heart to beat,
because only if we believe in the gospel
that lives inside
that hidden vision in us
can the strangers we walk with
afford to dream
(Adapted from Seasons of the Heart by Marcrina Wiederkehr, OSB)
OPENING SONG: Voices that Challenge (David Haas)
INVITATION TO PRAYER:
OPENING PRAYER:
Presider: Our God, once long ago, your spirit moved
through chaos and gave it form:
through darkness and brought forth light:
through a world confused and gave it purpose and meaning.
Today, when there is darkness still,
when we stand confused before a future that summons us,
your Spirit moves once more in calling us to light.
and to a meaning we have yet to learn.
Open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to your summoning word,
that we may choose rightly,
love courageously, and move forward to your city of promise.
All glory be to you, Father, and to your Son
and to the Holy Spirit who dwells within us
now and forever.
READING: John 14:12-14 (slowly and deliberately)
Pause
RESPONSE: Excerpts from Habakkuk 2:2-3 and Revelation 21:1-8
Presider assigns half the group as voice 1 and half the group as voice 2.
Reader: Then Yahweh answered me and said,
“Write the vision down,
Inscribe it so that it can be easily read
For the vision has its appointed time,
If it delays, wait for it
for it will come.
It will surely, surely come.”
Reader: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
Voice 1: A new heaven
Voice 2: I saw a new heaven
Reader: I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
Voice 1: I saw the holy city
Voice 2: the holy city
Reader: I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem
Reader: I saw the new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven
as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.
Then I heard a loud voice call from the throne.
“You see this city?
Here God lives among you.”
Reader: “Now I am making the whole of creation new
Voice 1: the whole of creation
Voice 2: I am making the whole of creation new
Reader: Write this,
What I am saying is sure and it will come true.
I will give water from the well of life
free to anyonewho is thirsty;
Voice 1: water
Voice 2: water from the well of life
Reader: water from the well of life
free to anyone who is thirsty
Reader: free to anyone who is thirsty
Reader: I will be your God and you will be my people.
(Brief pause)
Voice 1: The vision has its appointed time.
Voice 2: its appinted time
Voices: vision has its appointed time.
Voice 1: If it delays, wait for it
Voice 2: wait for it
Voice 1: it will come
Voice 2: it will come
Voices: it will surely, surely come.
Moment of Silence
Presider: The vision will surely come, but we must be people unafraid to dream, and not only to dream, but to work actively to bring about a more just society. I invite you now to reflect for a moment on the injustice and lack of reverence for the human person which presently exists in sweatshops throughout this country. What is your vision/dream of what can be? Write down the vision.
REFLECTION soft musical background) Voices that Challenge – David Haas
Participants are invited to write down the vision and come forward to place it in the basket provided for this purpose.
CLOSING PRAYER
Presider: Loving God, the time is now
when we, your people, must touch the world which is ours.
The Spirit of Christ,
the Christ who lived and walked among us,
lives on within us giving us the power to envision,
mold and fashion this world according to your plan.
As we have seen and heard, so let us live
that we may build here a new and holy city
where you will be pleased to dwell.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
CLOSING SONG: City of God
Refrain: Let us build the city of God.
May our tears be turned into dancing!
For the Lord, our light and our love,
has turned the night into day!
Awake form your slumber! Arise from your sleep!
A new day is dawning for all those who weep
The people in darkness have seen a great light.
The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.
We are sons of the morning: we are daughters of day.
The one who has loved us has brightened our way.
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be
a light for his people to set their hearts free.
God is light: in God there is no darkness.
Let us walk in God’s light. God’s children, one and all
O comfort my people: make gentle your work.
Proclaim to my city the day of her birth.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
1981 Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music, PO Box 13248, Portland, OR 97213
BROCHURE FOR MILWAUKEE CLEAN CLOTHES CAMPAIGN:
The following four pages may be copied and reassembled in booklet form
Nice Shirt!!
[pic]
But Do You Know
HOW It Was Made?
Clothing Labels Rarely Give You the Full Story
… The Story of Sweatshop Workers
[pic]
➢ Owners violate local laws and international agreements.
➢ Companies move away if workers get organized.
➢ Sweatshop workers, including teen-age girls and children, work long hours under harsh conditions for sub-poverty wages.
➢ Workers breath toxic fumes, handle carcinogenic materials, and operate machines with no safety mechanisms.
➢ Women are fired if they become pregnant.
➢ Workers who try to organize to improve conditions are fired and blacklisted for other employment.
➢ Workers are told their health and safety, their voices, and their dignity don't matter.
“Free Trade” Rules Provide No Justice
Your desire for ethically produced products is considered a
"barrier to trade" under the rules of the global economy.
These rules mean our country is not allowed to impose tariffs, embargoes, or trade bans that give preference to items made with dignity over those made in sweatshops.
Rules prevent discriminating against products by how they are produced. Even when owners deny workers a living wage, threaten their safety and health, spoil the local or global environment, and deny workers and their home communities the right to organize to improve their conditions.
If we cannot stop the sale of sweatshop products, at least as consumers we can demand information and make ethical choices about the goods that we and our communities purchase.
CAMPAIGNS TO GROW ON
We, as citizens and consumers,
have the power to change how corporations behave.
But we have to use that power.
SweatFree Communities initiatives, also known as “Clean Clothes Campaigns,” build and grow the local anti-sweatshop movement because they allow local activists to control the shape and timing of their efforts.
This activism can then expand over time because most communities include multiple entities that purchase apparel goods − a city, its suburbs, its county, the school district, the state, religious institutions, etc. − and may also house workplaces where members of the community endure sweatshop conditions. One successful campaign can provide momentum for the next.
Local and statewide groups in Minnesota, Maine, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio and Washington are the driving force behind this new network. Many have already had success with anti-sweatshop work in their public and private schools, and all levels of government. Over 68 states, cities or school districts now have sweatfree policies.
GET INVOLVED
Join the Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign
The Wisconsin Fair Trade Campaign and the Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign bring together labor, religious, environmental, health and safety, peace, student and youth activists to fight for a system of trade and economic globalization that puts labor standards, environmental quality and human rights first.
We have worked with members of the Milwaukee Common Council to pass an ordinance requiring that Police and Firefighter uniforms and other apparel procured for city employees be sweatshop free. We are continuing to work with officials of the Milwaukee Public Schools to bring their procurement practices in line with a policy passed in 1998.
We are also working with representatives of the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese on a campaign covering companies manufacturing school uniforms and "spirit wear" and are supporting anti-sweatshop activities by students at Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Area Technical College.
To learn more about our community-based anti-sweatshop campaign call:
Milwaukee Clean Clothes Campaign
Mike Howden, Coordinator
(414)-342-5284
E-Mail: mikejudyhowden@
or
Contact the Sweat Free Communities organization, a national network which, since early 2002, has grown by sharing information. SFC has developed policy language, strategy, and resources through cross country conference calls, a web site and an email list serve. It has also created a thirty page “how to” packet and tool kit to help new groups get started on initiatives in their own communities.
TOOLS FOR ACTION
• Join “Global Exchange” anti-sweatshop email list!
• Join “united students against sweatshops”: studentsagainstsweatshops
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC, SAN LUIS OBISPO IS AN AFFILIATE SCHOOL!
• Support labor organizing and union drives.
Support campaigns against corporations that violate human rights. Visit website: or call 541-344-0446.
• Support fair trade, not free trade.
See Fair Trade socially responsible shopping guides:
• Support the movement to challenge corporate charters and develop new codes of conduct.
Check out these websites:
Program on Corporations, Law & Democracy:
Corporate Watch:
• Help build the movements that can redefine the system.
Promote the Fair Trade solution and make our government reform economic institutions like the World Bank and IMF and renegotiate NAFTA and the World Trade Organization. Check out this website:
• Join letter writing campaigns such as the Wal-Mart Action Campaign:
Sign letter below or visit Co-op America’s website:
Stop Sweatshops! Commitment Pledge:
I promise to do the following:
___ Visit some sweatshop websites and become more informed.
___ Join “Global Exchange” anti-sweatshop email list!
___ Support Fair Trade and purchase Fair Trade products (see Fair
Trade socially responsible shopping guide)
___ Join letter writing campaigns such as the Wal-Mart Action
Campaign: Sign letter below or visit Co-op America’s website:
Name:______________________________________________
TEACHER RESOURCES available for purchase:
1) Sweatshop Watch, has put together the NO SWEATSHOPS: INFORMATION &
ACTION KIT:
Do You Know:
• That Los Angeles is the Sweatshop Capital of the US?
• What effects the shoemaking process has on Workers and the Environment?
• How much an Indonesian garment worker makes per month?
• How much GAP'S CEO makes an hour?
• What NAFTA has done to the Maquila Industry in Mexico?
If you crave the answers to these questions & more check out Sweatshop Watch's No Sweatshops: Information and Action Kit where we explore sweatshop issues and share
ideas about how you can help end sweatshop exploitation. The 15-subject tool kit addresses topics such as US and global sweatshops, immigrant rights and frequently asked questions.
You can order Sweatshop Watch's NO SWEATSHOPS: INFORMATION & ACTION KIT for $10 plus shipping at or call 510.834.8990
2) Co-op America is an excellent resource for sustainable living, regarding both labor and environmental practices. For a $20 annual membership you will receive 3 publications:
1. CO-op Quarterly, with articles on sweatshop campaigns, environmental issues, and suggestions for alternatives, actions, and lifestyle changes.
2. Real Money, a bimonthly newsletter with a focus similar to the quarterly, but added information on investments which support sustainable labor and environmental practices.
3. The annual National Green Pages, a virtual shopping guide for all kinds of products which support clean labor and the environment.
These resources will help you choose sustainable and sweat free alternatives in your own life as well as providing resources for teaching about issues.
For information call 1-800-58-GREEN or FAX:202-331-8166
Write them at Co-op America 1612 K St. NW. Suite 600 , Washington DC 20006
Check their website:
ANTI-SWEATSHOP WEB RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Wisconsin Fair Trade Campaign 7-30-04
From the hundreds of websites dealing with sweatshop issues, we have selected a few of the pages and groups most useful for youth and teachers. All sites have more information than we describe, and nearly all have connections to other websites. Some of the links below take you to a specific page but the home page may have even more of what you want to know. Getting information on global issues has never been so easy!
Tools: Teaching Materials, Manuals, Fliers, Petitions and Resolutions
from BEHIND THE LABEL
◙"SweatFree Communities" organizing guide, with flier and petition for school boards or local government.
◙"U.S. Retailers Responsible for the Global Sweatshop Crisis" pamphlet,
including Abercrombie, Ann Taylor, Bauer, Banana Republic, J Crew.
from GLOBAL EXCHANGE
◙Chocolate organizing tools, sample students letters to M&M/Mars.
◙Chocolate agitational fliers for students and teachers
◙"Fundraising with Fair Trade Chocolate" manual with sample letters, order form.
◙"Fair Trade Chocolate: A Student Action Guide" with letters, fliers and chocolate organizing efforts from grade 3 through high school.
◙"Fair Trade Day" Resolution for San Francisco Board of Supervisors
from the MAQUILA SOLIDARITY NETWORK
◙"Sweatshop Fashion Show" script
◙"How to Become a No Sweat School" booklet, with petition, sample letter to school board, model purchasing policy.
◙"No Sweat" resources, including fliers, petition, poster,
and the "real price of a $100 shoe"
from the UNITE UNION
◙"Stop Sweatshops Curriculum" for teachers, with contact info for many sweatshop corporations.
◙Sample letter to retailer or manufacturer.
MORE
◙High School Organizing Guide, by United Students Against Sweatshops,
, includes high school campaign stories, sample letter to Nike, petition and resolution for a school board, fashion show script, and a poem.
◙"Youth in Action" color organizing manual, by Free the Children, good for junior high school level.
◙Color brochure, by Campaign for the Abolition of Sweatshops and Child Labor, with reference to Wal-Mart and Disney
◙Sport shoe price percentages graphic, by Clean Clothes Campaign.
◙"Sweatfree Schools" petition, by Resource Center of the Americas.
◙"Teacher's Guide" on global child agricultural labor, by American Federation of Teachers.
Groups Organizing Around Sweatshops and Child Labor
Behind the Label Sweat free prom and other student stories, campaigns and resources.
Campaign for Labor Rights Projects on sweatshop clothing, soccer balls, bananas, Coke, and other maquiladoras, SweatFree Communities movement, student organizing campaigns. Has the best e-mail alert network.
Child Labor Coalition African child chocolate slavery, other U.S. and global campaigns, and discussion group.
Citizens Trade Campaign Fact sheets, materials on how to organize, PowerPoint shows, letters to Congress, religious group positions, "Why Students Should Care about the FTAA" flier.
Global Exchange Works on sweatshop clothing, coffee and chocolate, at all ages. Includes Nike, several manuals, grade school activity/coloring book and lesson plans.
Kids Can Free the Children Lots of action tips, including a colorful manual. Good for the junior high school level.
Maquila Solidarity Network How to produce a sweatshop fashion show, other materials and useful information. (a Canadian site)
National Labor Committee
Youth anti-sweatshop actions including anti-Disney cheerleaders. [on disk]
Several campaigns and reports on clothing and toy sweatshops, with lots on Disney.
New York State Labor-Religion Coalition Sample school board petition, letter to vendors, code of conduct materials, state legislation.
UNITE clothing workers union/High School Students Against Sweatshops Student action stories and helpful ideas.
United Students Against Sweatshops Works with colleges and high schools on foreign and domestic sweatshop targets. Includes how to organize, case studies, details on campaigns such as Coca-Cola, reading lists, fact sheets and discussion groups.
Youth Organizing/Resource Center of the Americas
Sweatfree schools campaign, student success stories, Code of Conduct for school purchasing, with lots more information at the home
2. Videos and Books for Free Loan
Videos and Books are available for a one week free loan from the World Mission Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. To reserve materials, contact Berenice Lechuga 414 769 3337 or lechugab@
VIDEOS:
▪ Lost Futures: The Problem of Child Labor. The video and Teacher’s Guide is a joint production of the International and Public Affairs Department of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Through the Child Labor Project, the International Affairs Department publicizes the existence of child labor around the world by creating educational resources for members and the general public. Sandra Feldman is a co-chair of the Child Labor Coalition, an organization dedicated to ending child labor exploitation and protecting the rights of working minors around the world. American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, 2003. (43 AAV)
▪ Bangladesh: An Appeal for Solidarity. University students are urged to ask their administrators to keep their production line in Bangladesh and urge them to continue to work with the licensees and their contractors to guarantee that the rights of these workers are finally respected. 8 minutes. (47 AAV)
▪ NLC/Hard Copy/Hard Target- Investigations: Maquila in Nicaragua. Nov. 12, 13, & 14.1997. 18 minutes. This is the report about sweatshop conditions in Nicaragua produced for the television show “Hard Copy.” (50 AAV)
• Threads of Justice: This Canadian film explores the reality of sweatshops within the borders of their own industrialized country. It offers glimpses into the lives of women who sew for the fashion industry and compares them to earlier struggles to overcome unjust labor practices. Throughout are clips from a public demonstration that includes a “fashion show” that contrasts the cost of production off the articles of clothing with the retail price. United Church of Canada, 2003. 29:30 minutes. (Youth and adult levels.) (52 AAV)
▪ Something to Hide: Today in the global economy, corporations hide their production around the world behind locked factory gates, armed guards and 15-foot high concrete walls topped with razor wire. The companies refuse to release to the American people the names and locations of the factories they use. In order to shop with a conscience, we have the right to know where, in which country and in which factory, under what human rights conditions, and at what wages the products we purchase are made. National Labor Committee’s newest collaboration with Crowing Rooster Arts, Inc. and United Students Against Sweatshops, NLC/USAS, August 1999. 25 minutes. (19 AAV)
▪ Child Labor in India: Catholic Relief Services. 14 minutes. (26 AAV)
▪ Zoned for Slavery, the Child Behind the Label: National Labor Committee, Crowing Rooster Arts, 1995.
▪ Mickey Goes to Haiti Walt Disney and the Science of Exploitation, National Labor Committee, 18 minutes, 1996 (17 AAV) An inside view of sweatshops in Haiti that make clothing for Disney enterprises. Included are interviews with workers.
▪ Behind the Labels: Garment workers on US, Saipan. A Witness Production. 45:28 minutes. (32 AAV)
The following video is not solely about sweatshops. It is an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching which motivates us to work on this issue.
▪ In The Footsteps of Jesus: Catholic Social Teaching at Work Today. How does God call you to make a difference in the World? That is the central question of the video, ”In The Footsteps of Jesus: Catholic Social Teaching at Work Today.” All Catholics—teenagers and senior citizens, college students and RCIA candidates, pastors and parish councils, Catholic School children and families—will be challenged to respond to it.
- Part I is an overview of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. 19 minutes
- Part II each theme is highlighted through examples in the lives of six individuals and one couple. 19 minutes.
- Discussion guide included. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc.,Washington, DC, 2003. (4 CDV)
BOOKS:
Fired For Crying to the Gringos, The Women in El Salvador Who Sew Liz Claiborne garments Speak Out Asking for Justice, A Report by the National Labor Committee, 7/99 (26 AA)
Wal-Mart’s Shirts of Misery, A Report by the National Labor Committee, 7/1999 (27 AA)
Challenging Sweatshops: A Guide for the Religious Community, by Evely Laser Shlensky & Kim Bobo (33 AA)
Border Witness: Youth Confront NAFTA by Maureen Casey. A photographic essay with voices of young people who have traveled to the border of Mexico. The New York State Labor-Religion Coalition, New York, 2001 (63 AA)
Call to Action: Focus On Sweatshops, Information / Action Packet including project brochure and introductory letter, 3 copies (37 AA)
The Maquiladora Reader: Cross-Border Organizing Since NAFTA. Edited by Rachael Kame & Anya Hoffman. This book shares heroic stories told by workers in the maquiladoras, how they have organized themselves to change conditions in their workplaces and communities and how they have forged alliances on both sides of the border. American Friends Services Committee, 1999 (38 AA)
Whose Trade Organization? Corporate Globalization and the Erosion of Democracy by Lori Wallach and Michelle Sforza, Public Citizen, 1999 (39 AA)
Women Behind the Labels, Worker Testimonies from Central America, Stitch and the Maquila Solidarity Network, Marion Traub-Werner and Lynda Yanz (editors), September, 2000 (42 AA)
Bangladesh, Ending the Race To the Bottom, The Role of U.S. Universities and Student Solidarity, A Report by the National Labor Committee (2 copies) (46 AA)
Through The Eye Of A Needle, A 5-week journey focused on the issue of consumerism, Pax Christi USA (48 AA)
World Citizen, Action for Global Justice, by Adam Daniel Corson-Finnerty, 1982
(1 AA)
Education for Justice, Pedagogical Principles, by Brian Wren, 1977 (6 AA)
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All, A study on economic life, from the Division for Church in Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, October, 1996 (8 AA)
Words of Peace, Selections from the Writings of Daniel Berrigan, SJ, Volume II, edited by John Dear, SJ, 1991 (9 AA)
Brave New World Order, Must We Pledge Allegiance?, by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, 1992 (13 AA)
Evangelization and Justice, New Insights for Christian Ministry, by John Walsh, MM, 1982 (18 AA)
The Bible, the Church, and Social Justice, by Richard Schiblin, C.SS.R., 1983 (20 AA)
What every Christian should know About Social Justice, from Church World Service, Channing L. Bete Co., 1986 (23 AA)
The Global Activist’s Manual: Local Ways to Change the World by Mike Prokosch and Laura Raymond (United For A Fair Economy). Thunder’s Mouth Press, Nation Books, New York, 2002 (60 AA)
OTHER LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION
In addition to the above mentioned resources, World Mission Ministries has many other videos and books along with maps and photos and some CDs, that support mission and global education.
you will find a complete (exhaustive!) listing of all the materials that are available by section. As indicated above, they are available for free loan.
General Education for
Elementary
Youth
Adult
World Areas and Countries: Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, North America
Catholic Social Teaching and Church Issues,
Twinning/Parish Partnerships with other countries,
Missionaries/Missiology, Reflections/Poetic presentations
International Justice Issues: Sweatshops/Clean Clothes Campaign, MILITARY including SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS, Economy, Hunger/Food/Water, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights/Refugees
Español: Last and certainly not least we have a section en español.
3. Primary Grades:
Few materials have been developed for the primary grades. However the seven introductory sessions found on the World Mission Ministries web page offer some simple ways to introduce the subject of sweatshops to young children with the help of their parents and teachers.
For English speaking students, go to:
For Spanish speaking students, go to:
You might browse some of the other grade level materials and adapt them to your students’ level. If you do, or if you create other ways for helping primary school age children to understand the reality of sweatshops, please send them to huddlestonr@ and they will be added to this resource.
After working with some of the above, educators might wish to engage parents in the following reflection:
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Was your child excited about searching for labels? _______________________________
Did he/she tell you the reason for this search? __________________________________
What reason did he/she give? _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What did you discover about the labels you collected at home? _____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What country did most of the labels collected come from? _________________________
Were you aware of child laborers in other countries? _____________________________
What is your reaction to children in other countries working? ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
Is there anything that you feel you can do to address this issue? If so, what? __________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking time to complete this questionnaire. Please have your child return it
either to the next religious education class or to school the next day.
4. Intermediate Grades and Middle School
Meet Albina, A Sweatshop Worker
Activities for teaching about Sweatshops
The real price of a $100 shoe
A Scavenger Hunt
Lesson Plan to accompany “That’s Not Fair!”
The Global Production Game!
The “I” of the Needle – A Play
Word Connections
Working With Youth On Labor Rights Issues
MEET ALBINA, A SWEATSHOP WORKER
My name is Albina. I am seventeen years old and I work in a sweatshop in New York City. My day begins at 6 am when I wake up. I have to be at work by 8 am. Even if you are one minute late, they take money out of your pay. The work is very hard. I usually work at least 10 hours a day, and six hours on Saturday. Sometimes we have Sundays off, sometimes we have to work. I don’t go to school because I have to work to support my family and myself.
We work from 8 am until noon. Then we have 30 minutes for lunch. Then we work again until 6 pm or later. When I’m finished at work, I’m usually too tired to read or to study English.
In my factory we make blouses, dresses and jackets. My job is to cut all of the loose threads from garment after it is made, and to sew in the lining. If I work really fast I can finish 3,000 garments in a 10 hour day. That’s 300 in one hour! And I can make about $35 a day. It is not even the minimum wage.
The factory is very hot during the summer and cold during the winter. Especially on the weekends when they don’t turn the heat on. We have to work in our coats and gloves. Even with gloves, my hands turn blue by the end of the day.
We never get any days off or holidays. Sometimes, if it’s really busy, we even have to work on Christmas and Easter. Once we had to stay all night long, working, to finish an order. If you are sick, you still have to go to work. Because if you don’t come to work, the boss might give your job to someone else.
Last year all of the workers in my factory got together and asked that the boss pay us the minimum wage. The boss agreed, but then two weeks later he disappeared, owing us money. The factory was shut down and all of the workers had to find new jobs.
ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING ABOUT SWEATSHOPS
Nike
By Connie Molbeck (Numbers updated by Jessica Todryk)
Materials: two metal bowls (coffee cans will work) and 1000 BB’s.
1. Drop one BB into the empty can and say, “This is the sound of LeBron James earning $13 million a year for advertising NIKE shoes.” (7-year $90 million contract.)
2. Begin pouring the 1000 BB’s back and forth from can to can, asking if you pour them 100 times what it would be the sound of. (The first time I saw this done, at a Sojourner anniversary conference, the presenter actually poured them 100 times and I though it got a little long, esp. with a young audience, which I often have.) You can carry on a discussion while pouring, asking what it is the sound of.
3. The answer is the 100,000 women in Indonesia who make the Jordan shoes for exactly the same income, $13 million. According to my math, that is $130 each per year for 60-hour weeks.
CEO Wages
By Connie Molbeck (Numbers updated by Jessica Todryk)
Materials: String cut into pieces as described below. I store each string in a baggie with a note card of explanation. The numbers I have are for 2001, when I went to Sojofest and came home and cut the string. If you can find updated numbers, use them.
1. Explain that each one-inch of string equals $1000 of income. Have one person come up front and hold up an 11-inch string, which is one person working full time for minimum wage.
2. The next person holds up an 18-inch string, which was the 2001 baseline poverty level for a family of four. ($18,000) Talk about the gap for one wage earner trying to support a family.
3. Hold up a 35-inch string, the median family income in the United States ($35,000).
4. Hold up a 140-foot string, representing the $1,700,000 average CEO income in 1965. If anyone wants to unravel it they can. At Sojourner we were in a room with 2 doors and they wound these around the room, out one door, down the hallway, and back into the room. Usually I just have someone hold up the wadded mess.
5. Have someone hold up a string 419 feet long to represent the average CEO salary in 2001; $5,028,000.
6. Just for effect, I save this one for last. Hold up a one-inch string, the average sweatshop worker globally earns about $1000 a year. Many earn less.
Math activity: Students Create Own Graphs
In the production of a $100 garment:
• the retailer gets 50%
• the manufacturer gets 35%
• the contractor gets 10%
• the seamstress gets 5%
The students could create a circle graph to demonstrate the data as parts of a whole. The following calculations need to be made to determine the degrees and then a circle graph is created. (/ means division)
50 / 100 (360) = 180 degrees
35 / 100 (360) = 126 degrees
10 / 100 (360) = 36 degrees
5 / 100 (360) = 18 degrees
THE REAL PRICE OF A $100 SHOE
[pic]
produced by the Maquila Solidarity Network
~msn * e-mail: perg@
A SCAVENGER HUNT
Student Page followed by Teacher Guide
“Sweatshops in America – A Scavenger Hunt”
Student Page
Log onto . Go to the Search Site. Type “Sweatshop” and view the virtual exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of American History to find the answers to the Scavenger Hunt.
1. When was the term sweatshop first used?
2. What significant event took place in El Monte, California on August 2, 1995?
3. Who are the “New Sweatshop Workers”?
4. How did Disney Shareholders address the sweatshop production of 101 Dalmatian pajamas?
5. What has California recently done in the fight against sweatshops?
6. In 1996, what is the estimated global production of apparel?
7. Bonus Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of domestic production?
“Sweatshops in America – A Scavenger Hunt”
Teacher’s Guide
Log ont the Smithsonian Museum of American History at . Go to the Search Site. Type “Sweatshop” and view the virtual exhibit to find the answers to the Scavenger Hunt.
1. When was the term sweatshop first used?
The term “sweatshop” was first used in the late 19th century to describe aspects of the tailoring trade, but sweatshop conditions exist in other industries as well. The forces that promote sweatshop production have always been varied. Some shops are the result of greed and opportunism; others stem from competitive pressures.
2. What significant event took place in El Monte, California on August 2, 1995?
On August 2, 1995, a multi-agency task force led by the California Department of Industrial Relations raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California, a small community near Los Angeles. What they found was one of the most horrendous U.S. sweatshops in modern times.
Law enforcement officers arrested eight operators of a Chinese-Thai family-owned garment sweatshop and freed 72 illegal Thai immigrants. The workers, most of them women, had been held in virtual slavery behind fences tipped with razor wire and forced to sew garments in conditions significantly worse than those found in most sweatshops.
3. Who are the “New Sweatshop Workers?”
The New Sweatshop Worker -- Immigrants continue to power the US apparel industry and the volatile women’s fashion sector in particular. Like their predecessors, many new arrivals find their first jobs assembling clothing. As they gain English language skills and improve their education and training, they leave for better jobs and are replaced by more recent immigrants.
As in earlier times, current American sweatshop workers tend to be immigrants (legal and illegal) seeking economic opportunity and political freedom. Desperate for work and primarily women, these workers become easy prey for unscrupulous employers.
4. How did Disney Shareholders address the sweatshop production of 101 Dalmatian pajamas?
Disney shareholder resolution, September 12, 1996
Activists and concerned citizens seeking to curb sweatshop production have copied some of the tactics pioneered in the fight against racism in South Africa. Beginning in the late 1970s, many institutional and individual investors battled apartheid by divesting the stock they owned in companies doing business in South Africa. Today, several mutual fund companies offer “socially responsible” investment portfolios that do not include companies involved in sweatshop production.
At the Walt Disney Company’s 1997 annual meeting, Progressive Asset Management, Inc., brought to a vote a shareholder resolution governing suppliers’ labor practices. Although the resolution did not pass, it received surprisingly strong shareholder support (39) million shares or 8.3 percent). Subsequently, Disney pledged to issue and post a contractor code of conduct and authorize audits and inspections of all contract facilities. Disney garment contractor H.H. Cutler then pulled out of production in Haiti.
According to the National Labor Committee, Haitian workers were paid seven cents (or 42 cents per hour) for every $19.99 pair of 101 Dalmatians pajamas sold.
LESSON PLAN TO ACCOMPANY “That’s Not Fair!”
For those using “That’s Not Fair!”* this lesson plan prepared by Jeff Danner will introduce your students to Sweatshops and invite them to use the Clean Clothes Campaign as their social justice issue.
*That’s not Fair! is the name of a curriculum on Catholic Social Teaching for young teens in Catholic schools (or parish programs) in grades 6, 7, or 8. You can purchase a That’s Not Fair! program binder from: Bishop Sullivan Center; 6435 Truman Road; Kansas City, MO 64126. (816) 231-0984.
Visit or email Tom Turner: tturner@
Preparation/Materials
Read through the entire lesson plan.
Deck of cards
Play money (Monopoly?)
Paper/Pencil for each student
Encyclopedia volume (or other book) for each student
Stop watch
Board or other games (optional)
Prizes (optional)
I. Lesson objective – To introduce what sweatshops are and to inspire an initial Christian response to this injustice.
III. The Lesson
A. Distribute playing cards to students. Approximately 25% of the class should receive a face card, including at least 1 King, 1 Queen, & 1 Jack. The rest receive a number card, including at least 2 Aces and 1 each of all the other numbers.
[Students should recall from the “M&M Game” that the face cards represent the “Haves” while the number cards represent the “Have-Nots”; It should be explained to students that approximately 75% of the world’s population live in 3rd-world countries who possess less than 25% of the world’s recourses.]
B. Those with face-cards should be separated somehow from the rest.
C. All students should be given a volume of an encyclopedia (or some other book) and have paper & pencil ready.
D. Say to the students: “The next 14 minutes will represent your waking hours during a typical 7-day week; thus each minute represents roughly 8 hours. When I say ‘Begin!’, you are to start copying word for word from the encyclopedia. You cannot stop until I say you may. You must write neatly, and you must copy as much as possible during the time given. However, those with face cards may use their normal writing hand, but those with number cards must use their unnatural hand! In other words, if you normally are right-handed, you must do your copying with your left. Recall however the rule that you must write neatly and complete as much as possible.”
E. “Anyone with a King, however, need not do the copying. You are on ‘vacation’ and may do whatever you wish during this time (read, board game, bathroom break, &c.)”
F. Discover who has a Queen – Instruct them privately to ask to go to the bathroom after about a minute, but to return in about a minute to continue copying. Should a Jack ask to go during the copying time, allow them also to go, but no one with a number card should be allowed to go.
G. “Are there any questions?” (Pause for questions.) Then: “You may begin.” (Start the stop-watch running.) Students should begin copying.
H. After 5 minutes, instruct the Queens & Jacks that they may stop; they may now do whatever they wish, along with the Kings, should they choose.
I. During the entire copying time, the teacher must walk around and keep on those with number cards to continue copying (much & neatly!), and yell at times at them to do so. Punish one or two students somehow, even if they are doing as instructed. (For example, give them a very tiny pencil to write with, or threaten them with extra copy time when the others are finished, or some other creative punishment.)
J. After 13 minutes, instruct the others that they now may stop. They may not play any games, but should sit quietly in their seats for the final minute.
K. After 14 minutes, have all students return to their seats.
L. Pay their wages! Those with face cards, including the Kings, should receive $206 – This is gross pay for 40 hours at current (2004) minimum wage ($5.15/hr.). Those with number cards should be paid as follows:
1) 2s – 5s = $5 [4 cents/hr. as in Burma]
2) 6s – 10s = $21 [20 cents/hr. as in Bangladesh]
3) Aces = $0 [Explain to the class that the Aces represent the
unemployed working hard to find a job and just exist.]
[M. Optional prizes – Although not necessary, some cool food, pens, pencils, and other items could be priced in such a way that those with face cards could buy a few things, while those with number cards hardly any. Although the messages of the lesson will no doubt be learned without this step, it will reinforce them and is certainly consistent with the visceral learning experiences of “That’s Not Fair!” ( ]
IV. Debriefing [This could be done during a follow-up class, depending on time.]
A. “How did it feel just doing all the copying?”
Elicit – boring, tedious, uncreative
Teach – Much work in sweatshops is like this.
B. “How did it feel writing with the unnatural hand?”
Elicit – awkward, more difficult, hard
Teach – Sweatshops typically involve poor, difficult working conditions.
C. “How did it feel to be yelled at or punished for no reason?”
Elicit – degrading, unfair, humiliating
Teach – Sweatshop workers are often subject to arbitrary discipline.
D. “ How did you Kings feel to be on ‘vacation’ and still get paid?” “To all of you, why are vacations important?”
Elicit – To refresh oneself, to recreate (“re-create”)
“Why are paid vacations important?”
Elicit – So that one is not penalized for the natural, human need to have
some time off, to be refreshed.
Teach – Sweatshops rarely give benefits such as paid vacations, paid sick
days, overtime pay, &c.
E. “What comments do you have about the lengths of time worked?”
Elicit – Number cards had to work much longer.
“Why is off-time, leisure time important?”
Elicit – So that one can get other things done necessary for daily living,
family responsibilities, rest, recreation, &c.
Teach – Sweatshops can require 15 hour work days or more; a 40-hour
work week is not respected, thus leaing little to no time for
other needs, family, recreation, sleep (!), &c.
F. “Why is having a rest room break important?”
Elicit – Natural needs don’t cease during the work day.
Teach – Sweatshops often don’t allow or highly regulate rest room breaks.
G. “What comments can you make about the different wages received?”
Elicit – Number cards worked much longer for much less pay!
Teach – Sweatshops pay radically below a living, decent wage.
H. “Although not saying it would be okay, what might some (though not all or even a majority) of the “Have-nots” and unemployed (Aces) resort to in order to improve their situation?”
Elicit – Drugs, alcohol, crime, prostitution, &c. – “Why?” – To get what
they can’t through work, to escape their misery, &c.
Teach – Such activities are often higher among the poor & needy.
V. Summary – Definition of a “Sweatshop”
“How do you think the actual word, “Sweatshop” came about? Why do you think people would start to call certain places “Sweatshops”?
Elicit – lots of machinery, poor air ventilation (certainly no air
conditioning!), very hot and uncomfortable, people there would be
sweating as they worked…
Teach – A sweatshop is a workplace where workers are subject to extreme
exploitation, including the absence of a living wage & benefits, poor working
conditions, denial of worker rights, and arbitrary discipline. Workers typically
work long hours for sub-poverty paycheck. Worker abuses can include unsafe or
life-threatening working conditions, physical punishment, emotional humiliation
and the use of child labor.
VI. “What should be the Christian response to sweatshops?”
Elicit – Fight for justice, fair labor practices, economic treaties that respect human
rights, etc.
Teach – From U.S. Bishops “Economic Justice for All” – Employers are obligated to treat employees as persons, paying them fair wages in exchange for the work done and establishing conditions and patterns of work that are truly human.
This lesson could be followed up with the power point presentation “Sweatshops 101.”
You will find it at
THE GLOBAL PRODUCTION GAME!
Be a detective! Discover the origins of the clothes in your closet. Look at the tags. Identify the countries where the clothes were made. Can you locate those countries on a map? Make a list of the countries that you found.
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of producing in those different countries?
Can you find a label from a really small country?
Can you find a label from a country that you didn’t think manufactured clothes?
Send your findings to:
Global Production Game
National Museum of American History
MRC 629 Dept. A
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C. 20560
Source:
(You may wish to send the following page home for parent participation)
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Was your child excited about searching for labels? _______________________________
Did he/she tell you the reason for this search? __________________________________
What reason did he/she give? _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What did you discover about the labels you collected at home? _____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What country did most of the labels collected come from? _________________________
Were you aware of child laborers in other countries? _____________________________
What is your reaction to children in other countries working? ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
Is there anything that you feel you can do to address this issue? If so, what? __________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for taking time to complete this questionnaire. Please have your child return it
to school tomorrow.
The “I” of the Needle – A Play
Written by Jill Rauh
“The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free.” Isaiah 58:6
Solidarity helps us to see the “other” – whether a person, people or nation – not just as some kind of instrument, with a work capacity and physical strength to be exploited at low cost and then discarded when no longer useful, but as our “neighbor,” a “helper,” to be made a sharer, on a par with ourselves, in the banquet of life to which all are equally invited by God.
(Pope John Paul II, On Social Concern n. 39)
The “I” of the Needle
Characters:
10 sweatshop workers (Pari, and Workers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9)
8 models (Models 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8)
4 PICKETERS
Mr. Brunto
Back insider factory worker
Thug
Announcer
Props:
2 long tables
10 sewing machines
Piles of clothes
Fashionable clothing for the 8 models
Set-up:
The 2 long tables are positioned in a “V” with one end of each table near back-center stage, and the other ends at left-front and right-front. One table is a sweatshop assembly line, with 10 sewing machines and clothes on it. The other is a model runway and can be decorated as such. The sweatshop workers begin at the back of the audience, the models are backstage, and Mr. Brunto is pacing back and forth on stage, looking at his watch.
(Sweatshop workers 1 through 9 and Pari enter from the back of the room and hurry together through the center aisle of the audience, towards the stage.)
Worker 1: What a terrible night we had!
Worker 23: I’ve never seen such terrible rain.
Worker 3: I’ve never seen the roofs of our houses cave in so easily as they did last night! I know cardboard isn’t the same stuff as wood, but it is usually more durable.
Pari: Don’t speak of the terrible night; speak of the terrible morning we are going to have if we don’t make it to work on time.
Worker 4: Mr. Brunto will dock our first hour of pay for sure.
Worker 5: But he certainly must understand! It isn’t our fault that the shacks all caved in, or that we had to spend the rest of the morning drying our rice – it’s all we have to eat this week!
Worker 1: You’re still new at this factory – you don’t know Mr. Brunto.
Worker 6: Mr. Brunto will take our pay for sure, and did you hear that woman showing her bruise last week? She says it was from Mr. Brunto.
Worker 5: But look! Here’s the factory, and we must only be a few minutes late! For having to walk an hour, and through all this mud, I think he’ll understand!
Mr. Brunto: (storms angrily towards the women): You! You are late! It is seven minutes past six o’clock. Do you think you are different than all these other workers who are here on time? I could replace you this minute! I could fire you lazy workers!
Worker 7: (falling on her knees) Oh, please, Mr. Brunto! Please, we beg you, if I don’t bring this money home, my little brothers and sisters will starve!
Worker 8: My family won’t be able to eat!
(The rest of the workers chorus in: “Please! Please! Please, Mr. Brunto!” and etc.)
Mr. Brunto: This is your only warning. Get to your work stations. And don’t expect to be paid for this first hour.
(The workers assemble at the sewing machines and begin working. Worker 9 is seated at the end of the table, then 8, then 7, then 6 and so on. Back Insider factory worker comes from back stage carrying a large armful of cloth. She looks, walks slower as she passes the table and tries to whisper inconspicuously to Worker 9 at the end of the table…)
Back insider: Did you hear the bad news?
Worker 9: Oh no.
Back Insider: Eight tonight. All day tomorrow.
(She exits abruptly and the workers pass the message on in soft dialogue)
Worker 9: (to Worker 8): Eight tonight. All day tomorrow.
Worker 8: (to Worker 7): Eight tonight. All day tomorrow.
Worker 7: (to Worker 6): Eight tonight. All day tomorrow.
Worker 6: (to Worker 5): Eight tonight. All day tomorrow.
Worker 5: (questioning 6) Eight tonight? That’s (thinks for a moment, then speaks loudly) fourteen hours!
Worker 6: That’s life, honey.
(From backstage, Mr. Brunto shouts…)
Mr. Brunto: Quiet on line 25!
(They work in silence.)
Worker 5: (whispering to 6) Did you say we work tomorrow?
Worker 6: Yes!
Worker 5: That Sunday!
Worker6: (hisses in quiet irritation) I know.
Worker 5: Don’t we get any days off? We’ve already worked at least 10 hours every day! Do we get paid extra for Sunday?
Worker 6: No! You just do it! You don’t complain, you don’t ask questions! You be quiet or else –
(Mr. Brunto storms in angrily from backstage.)
Mr. Brunto: There are 300 workers in this factory. Why is Line 25 the source of all the problems? I should just fire all –
Worker 5: (interrupting him) Sir! I’m sorry! I’m new, I have to go to the bathroom and I was asking how –
Mr. Brunto: (interrupts her) THERE ARE NO BATHROOM VISITS! Work! If I hear another word from any of you, you’re gone! (Picks up the garment Worker 4 is sewing.) Do you call this a seam? (Shouting right in her face) Don’t you know how to sew? (Pointing) That rat could sew better than you! I have a right mind to – (listens for a minute) What’s that?
(From offstage, two factory workers picketers are shouting, at first soft, but getting louder and louder…)
Picketer One: Pay us a living wage! Eight cents does not feed my family!
Picketer Two: Five day work weeks, not seven!
Picketer Three: Eight hour days, not ten!
Picketer Four: Give us the overtime pay we deserve!
(Mr. Brunto opens the door to look out, and the picketers come in carrying signs.)
All Picketers together: We are people! Treat us better:
(Mr. Brunto whistles. Thug enters from offstage, and Mr. Brunto hands him money. Thug roughs the picketers and leads them away, followed by Mr. Brunto. Picket signs are left on the ground.)
Worker Three:” (to Worker 2) What was that all about?
Worker Two: I have no idea.
(Pari’s monologue occurs. As she speaks, she continues to work at her sewing machine, since most of the monologue is her inner thoughts. She is sewing socks.)
Pari: (monologue)
Stamp.
The metal arm goes up, comes down.
Stamp.
My fingers – numb – move quickly. They must move quickly. Faster means I will eat tonight. Slower – oh how my head swims with exhaustion – means a blow to the head, a deeper hunger tonight, a shout in my ear: faster! So quickly I move, but my heart is dead inside.
Stamp.
With each Stamp the needle comes down – a soft sound, I know, but an explosion in my head! As this tenth hour of sitting comes to an end, I am so sick of the needle smashing through the cloth.
Somewhere, I know, some rich child will wear these colorful socks on their feet.
My children are at home and they are barefoot. In our worker “village”, where the beds aren’t enough to all sleep in, and the leaky roofs aren’t enough to stop the rain from coming through, and the space isn’t enough for cooking or bathing or going to the bathroom in privacy, and the money isn’t enough, so that dinner isn’t enough, and what will my family eat for dinner tonight? Will my little Roshi ever grow taller, or will he forever be little, like the little pile of rice I pour on his plate, and he eats them up in a hurry and stares at me for more, but I have no more to give? What are little Roshi, and Nike, and Lani doing right now? I wish I could caress you, my children, but I have left before dawn and will not return until the moon is high up in the sky and do you still know your mother? Oh God, let them not be playing in the dump next to our shack, or the sewage gutters behind it – oh, let them just play with the stones on the ground!
Oh, how quickly my heart beats!
Mr. Brunto says I will have to bring them here soon, to work. If only they were bigger…Mr. Brunto says to let them work. Bring your children, Mr. Brunto says, and then you can eat more. Bring them here, to me.
Here! Work here! Here? No, no, no I will not let them come to the clanging machinery where first their little precious fingers might be lost, but then their minds, their dignity, their children’s dream will surely be lost. I will not let them work with the sticky, smelly glue that makes you crouch over the toilet hole all night long. I will not let them be lost in this world of burning plastic and stomping machines and needles that puncture both the cloth and our souls! I will not do it! We are not humans here, but dogs! We are not people, but objects to produce, and when we don’t do enough, they yell. We deserve more than the shacks, the filth, the hunger in our stomachs. We are people! Line manager, Mr. Brunto, we are people, do you hear me? We are people! I must tell you, we are people! You must see we are people. ({Pari is unsure, and speaks the next 3 lines questioningly, then resumes her courage.) We are peple? What could a flashing little Indonesian woman do? He would laugh, or snort, and yell me back to line.
He might cut my wages, punish my family, but he can’t hurt my soul. I am woman. I am human. I must stop this.
(Pari stands up, speaking “out loud” for the first time/)
Sir?
(Mr. Brunto comes, towers over her menacingly. Pari, intimidated, sits down quickly and begins to quickly work, mumbling an “I’m sorry, never mind.” The next two lines are said into the microphone, but are directed towards her own mind, not Mr. Brunto.)
Stamp. Stamp.
Help me.
(Sweatshop workers freeze, with heads down and eyes averted, and all is silent for 5 long seconds. Suddenly, Brittany Spears music blasts through the silence, and the models burst out from backstage and enter the runway one at a time, modeling their clothes to the audience. As each comes out on stage, an announcer, standing beside the runway, comments on the fashions and the reasonable costs at which they are available. After all eight models have modeled their clothes and gone backstage, the music dies down and the announcer exits. The models come out from backstage with purses and bags, as if leaving, and one of the models, Model 6, is carryi9ng a backpack. They are still dressed in their “model” clothes.)
Model 1: What a great show! I think the audience really loved this sweater.
Model 2: Yeah – where’s it from?
Model 1: Old Navy
Model 4: Yeah? So’s this skirt! I can’t believe how cheap they were! I really couldn’t afford it otherwise.
Model 3: So where are you guys off to now?
Model 4: We’re going to Kopp’s, and then shopping.
Model 6: I have to study, unfortunately. Big test tomorrow.
(Model 6 sits at the runway, now a table, facing away from the sweatshop workers, and begins studying.)
Model 7: I’m actually going to a club meeting with one of my friends – it’s called, um, “Social Justice” club, I think? I don’t really know what it is, but is sounds interesting.
Model 5: Well have fun, bye guys!
(All the Models (Except Model 6, who is studying) say goodbye and leave. Model 7 exits out a different door than everyone else, and she will come back in that door later.)
(While the Workers at the table and Model remain on stage, frozen, 2 video clips are shown: First, MCL El Salvador documentary interviewing a real worker about conditions, and secondly, a clip from “The Big One” interviewing Phil Knight about 14 year old Nike workers.
At some point during the clips, the two sweatshop workers closest to offstage leave quietly and position themselves backstage. The Models (except 6 and 7) line up backstage, with the two sweatshop workers at the end of their line.
After the clips, the sweatshop workers begin to work again, and the sounds of sweatshops can be heard. At the same time, the Runway music begins again, and the models begin to come out, while Model 6 continues to study, not paying attention to either group. The announcer comments on the clothes the models wear. After Models 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 have modeled, the two sweatshop workers come out as the last models.)
Announcer: And now, this is the cheapest and most versatile product on the market: “sweaters!” You’ll never pay less for anything more durable. (etc.)
(Suddenly, Model 7 bursts through the side door.)
Model 7: Stop! Stop, it, now!
(The music dies down and the other models come our.)
Model 7: Can’t you see we’re exploiting them? These workers are people! (She gestures towards the two “sweaters” and the models at the work table. She shakes Model 6 on the shoulders.) Can’t you see what we’re doing?
(She stands apart from them and speaks.)
Model 7: I just learned something terrible at my meeting! We want cheap clothes, but this isn’t the way to do it! These workers, they work long hours, and they don’t get paid enough to live on! (Add other facts here.)
Model 8: That’s terrible, but what can we do about it? We’re in America, and these people are all in Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, and Guam…
Model 4: I know what we can do.
(Two Models go the talk to the sweatshop workers. Two pick up the picket signs. Model 6 and one of the “sweaters” begin to write letters, using paper from Model 6’s backpack. Two begin to talk with the supervisor. A model and the other “sweater” begin to pass out “clean clothes” pamphlets to the audience. At the same time, an “inspiring song” begins to play. Recommended song: Kathy Triccoli’s “Go Light Your World.”)
The End
WORD CONNECTIONS
Word Connections
Ask students or appoint students to small groups (2-3). Small groups facilitate that possibility for everyone to express himself / herself. Distribute list of five word / phrases to each group. You may wish to add others which you have used as part of your unit. You may also dismiss words you did not use. Communicate directions orally and in writing to each group.
Your explanation can go like this. This activity will assess your comprehension, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. Each group has received a list of words / phrases from our unit. Each group is asked to make connections between these words.
The teacher can assess the following:
1. Demonstration of an understanding of each word’s meaning.
2. Demonstration of critical thinking involved in explaining how these words relate.
3. Demonstration of specific examples from the student’s learning used as clarification.
4. Demonstration of participation by each member of the group.
Word Connections
List of phrases / words
for
Students
| | |
|sweatshop |children |
|benefits |Saipan |
|abusive working conditions |unfair pay |
|exploitation |misleading advertisement |
|women |forced labor |
| | |
|shipped duty free |living wage |
|federal Fir Labor Standards Act |Universal Declaration of Human Rights |
|Marianas Islands |Labor laws |
|freedom |discipleship |
|unions |justice |
| | |
|consumer |vendor |
|General Accounting Office |Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
|good steward |dignity |
|owner, manager, investor |respect |
|citizen |greed |
| | |
|children |unfair pay |
|forced labor |Mariana Islands |
|unions |dignity |
|respect |living wage |
|Labor Laws |women |
| | |
|greed |justice |
|unions. |sweatshop |
|Saipan |misleading advertisement |
|benefits |shipped duty free |
|discipleship |good steward |
| | |
| | |
|vendor | |
|General Accounting Office | |
|Universal Declaration of Human Rights | |
|owner, manager, investor | |
|citizen | |
WORKING WITH YOUTH ON LABOR RIGHTS ISSUES
(Instructions: This is an activity that involves students in writing or making an action plan about Nike’s practices with the poor.)
Working With Youth On Labor Rights Issues
a report by Michael Gitelson
The Edenwald-Gun Hili Neighborhood Center is a small settlement house in the northeast section of the Bronx. We serve the neighborhood that we are located in rather then provide a city-wide service.
For a long time we had been concerned about the fact that many of the young people in our neighborhood wear Nike sneakers. The sneakers are obviously over-priced and the financial strain on many of the parents we see here also is obvious.
When we found out about Nike’s labor practices in places like Indonesia and Vietnam, we took this information to the children in our after-school program. They drew pictures or wrote letters expressing how they felt about Nike. Many of their statements were angry. Some asked why Nike did not care about children in other countries. One of the statements that echoed through everything was that our children were not going to buy Nike sneakers until something changes. We packaged up about seventy pictures and letters and sent them to Philip Knight, and Michael Jordan. So far we have not heard from either of them, but we are still waiting.
Some of the children wanted to do more. We are working on having a demonstration at Nike town in Manhattan where the children will be returning their Nikes to tell them that they are not happy with how the company treats people both here in New York City and in other parts of the world. Now that the children have experienced activism with our campaign against Nike we are thinking of starting another, taking on Guess or maybe Disney.
High School and Up
Many of the activities described above are suitable for older participants:
A Scavenger Hunt
Lesson Plan to accompany “That’s Not Fair!”
The Global Production Game!
The “I” of the Needle – A Play
Word Connections
Working With Youth On Labor Rights Issues
Here are additional resources that will assist in educating youth, young adults and adults:
Interactive Workshop
Readings and Poems
Sweatshop Bingo
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
Created by Maryknoll Lay Missioners
STATION #1: WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES MADE?
INTERACTIVE SWEATSHOP
PREPARATION:
I. Post a large 4’ x 5’ map of the globe on two display boards duct taped together.
II. Put Station title at top of display board: “ WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES MADE?”
III. Attach Nike Swoosh logo: “Endorse SWEATSHOPS: Poverty is Awesome”
IV. Attach several “Company Profiles + Sweatshop Files” on the map near the countries where the sweatshops exist (go to: and click sweatshop)
V. Post “Sample of Starvation Wages Around the World” and “CEO Compensation (see attachment)
VI. Post Wal-Mart Sweatshops around the World info (go to: campaigns/wal-mart/record
VII. Post stick pin flags on the map in the countries where the sweatshops are located around the world.
EVENT ACTIVITY:
I. Greet students and invite them to participate in the interactive sweatshop
II. Have them look at the labels on their clothes and shoes
III. Have them put a colored pin on the map where their clothes/shoes are made
IV. Be present to them as they look at the information on the map
V. Invite them to go to the next 3 Stations
STATION #2: WHO MAKES YOUR CLOTHES?
INTERACTIVE SWEATSHOP
PREPARATION:
I. Prepare a 30-40 slide PowerPoint slide presentation with faces from around the world, information about who makes your clothes, the conditions of the sweatshops, wages, etc. (please let me know if you would like a copy of this Powerpoint presentation)
EVENT ACTIVITY:
I. Have the PowerPoint slide show running automatically so participants can watch it without having to turn it on.
II. Answer questions participants have re: slide show and/or process reactions
III. Invite participants to Station #3
STATION #3: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
INTERACTIVE SWEATSHOP MATERIALS
PREPARATION:
I. Tape the Maryknoll Jesus icon on butcher paper creating a graffiti wall.
II. Have a candle lit at the bottom of the wall and markers out for writing on the wall.
III. Have Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers and Corporate Responsibility handouts ()
IV. Have the Development of Catholic Social Teaching handout (same as above)
EVENT ACTIVITY:
I. Invite participants to write a response (with colored markers) to what they have seen, read, and heard in Stations #1,,#2, and #3 on the graffiti wall.
II. Invite participants to take the handouts with them for reference
STATION #4: WHAT CAN YOU DO?
INTERACTIVE SWEATSHOP
PREPARATION:
I. Create resources for participates to take with them:
1) Tools for Action—resource sheets #1 (see Tools for Action attachment)
2) Socially Responsible Shopping Guide—resource sheet #2 (front-side—see attachment)
3) Purchase from Alternative Trading Sources—resource sheet #2 (backside—see attachment)
4) Sweatshop Website Links—resource sheet #3 (see attachment)
II. Prepare “Actions” to do at the event:
a. Wal-Mart Letter Campaign—letters to Mr. Lee Scott, Jr. (see Wal-Mart attachment)
b. Wal-Mart’s Fabric of Global Poverty—
c. A petition to the President and Congress + signatures from the Campaign for the Abolition of Sweatshops and Child Labor: (see attachment)
d. Stop Sweatshops! Commitment Pledge card to become more informed about sweatshop realities and to take specific actions. (see attachment)
III. Create a Station #4 display board:
a. On a black, fold-out display board, create a visually attractive display with the following:
i. Make 8 ½ x 11 poster: What will You Do? (Station #4 title)
ii. Make 11 x 14 poster: When Young People Join Together in a Righteous Cause, They can do Powerful Things
iii. Write “Get Involved” and attach Tools for Action guide below (w/please take one with arrow pointing down at table)
iv. Make 8 ½ x 11 poster: Support Fair Trade not Free Trade
v. Attach Purchase from Alternative Trading Sources list (with resource guide on table)
vi. Attach What Labels Mean: Socially Responsible Shopping Guide (have pictures and explanation of labels with shopping guide on table)
vii. Attach request to sign Petition to end Sweatshops (with petition on table below)
viii. Include 3-4 faces of men, women, and children from different continent
IV. Download and print “Display Only” information:
a. Wal-Mart Watch: Stitch in Misery--explanation for letter campaign
b. Most Frequent Questions on Sweatshops
c. United Students Against Sweatshops Information:
d. Apparel Wages Around the World and Living Wage comparisons
e. US Retailers: Responsible for the Global Sweatshop Crisis:
f. Behind the labels materials:
g. Clean Clothes Campaign—companies using sweatshop labor
V. Prepare other materials and resources:
a. Make large poster congratulating CAL POLY for being a “United Students Against Sweatshops” affiliate school!!
b. Bring MMAF El Salvadoran blue prayer cards
c. Fair trade coffee for sale (from former Maryknollers, Greg and Rosalie Rienzo)
d. Bring MMAF welcome magazines, Recruitment brochures, Maryknoll website cards, and other recruitment materials
e. Bring a notepad to have participants sign their name, address, and email if they are interested in mission or want to receive additional MMAF info
EVENT ACTIVITY
1) Be present to participants reading the display
2) Point out concrete actions they can do there:
i. Sign petition
ii. Sign letter to Wal-Mart
iii. Sign commitment card
iv. Purchase Fair Trade Coffee
3) Point out Tools of Action, Sweatshop Links, and Alternative Purchasing resources they can take with them
4) Refer them to display materials
5) Talk with participants about Maryknoll Mission and hand out MMAF materials to interested participants and have them sign their names, address, email on notepad.
READINGS AND POEMS
A Worker Reads History
by Bertolt Brecht
Who built the seven gates of Thebes?
The books are filled with names of kings.
Was it kings who hauled the craggy blocks of stone?...
In the evening when the Chinese wall was finished
Where did the masons go?
Imperial Rome
Is full of arcs of triumph. Who reared them up?...
Young Alexander conquered India.
He alone?
Caesar beat the Gauls.
Was there not even a cook in his army?...
Each page a victory.
At whose expense the victory ball?
Every ten years a great man.
Who paid the piper?
Masks
By Cameron Robinson (high school student)
Michael Jordan soars through the air
on shoes of unpaid labor.
A boy kicks a soccer ball,
the bloody hands are forgotten.
An excited girl combs the hair of her Barbie,
an overworked girl makes it.
A child receives a teddy bear,
Made in China has no meaning.
The words “hand made” are printed,
whose hands were used to make them?
A six year old in America
starts his first day of school.
A six year old in Pakistan
starts his first day of work.
They want us to see the ball,
not to see the millions of ball stitchers.
The world is full of many masks,
the hard part is seeing beneath them.
TWO YOUNG WOMEN
By Diedre Barry
(to be read aloud by two people)
I’m 18 and years older than that.
I’m 18 and I can’t believe I’m that old.
I get up before sunrise, because I have to be at work.
I get up at 6 because I need time to do my hair and makeup before school.
I walk 2 miles to work, the blisters on my feet open from wear.
I drive to school and walk carefully, because I need to keep my shoes clean.
I spend my day inside a factory, with hundreds of other girls, unable to take breaks, and unable to leave.
I spend my day in classes, wanting only to get out.
I would give anything to go to school, to learn, to be able to get somewhere in life.
I would give anything to be done with school. Who cares anyway?
I would quit, but I can’t. I have parent, brothers and sisters to support, and jobs are hard to find.
I would drop out but my parents would be so angry.
At 4:00 we get a five-minute break for water, then it’s back for more work.
At 3:30 we get out, and I head for basketball practice.
I sew the Swoosh on, time after time, hour after hour, until my fingers bleed, and my knuckles ache.
I lace up my Nikes, my new ones.
I earn barely enough to live, and not even nearly enough to help my family. I get paid per pair, and I can only make so many.
These cost me $130 and everyone has several pairs.
My lungs burn with every breath, and I cough up dust every night when I get home.
My lungs sear as I run up and down the court, but I know it only makes me stronger.
I sew pair after pair, trying to earn enough to buy food and clothes.
These shoes hurt my feet. I think I’ll buy a new pair.
I go home and cry. I want out, but it’s such a vicious cycle. I work to get out, but I always need to work a little more before I have enough.
I go home and lie on my waterbed. I can’t wait till college. I can get out.
Diedre Barry was an 11th grade student at Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon when she wrote this poem. Published in Rethinking Schools.
SWEATSHOP BINGO
Description:
This variation on “Bingo” was adapted in Canada for workshops on sweatshops.
How to do the exercise:
❖ Brief participants on how to play the game.
❖ Participants collect signatures from people who can answer “YES” to questions in the squares. (Collect two signatures per person, and then move to another person.)
❖ The first person to fill in a complete row or column yells “Bingo!”
Notes:
• Great ice-breaker.
• Useful exercise for introducing participants to each other.
• Fun, quick and gets participants moving.
• Teachers: clarifying comments about the questions will be found on the TEACHER AID following the Bingo Card
Sweatshop Bingo Card
Collect signatures from people who can answer “YES” to questions in the squares. Note: you may not collect more than 2 signatures from the same person. When you fill in a complete row or column, yell “Bingo!”
|Speaks in more than one |Knows what ‘ILO’ means |Can name 5 popular brand |Is tired of paying high |Would like to get active |
|language | |names |prices for brand names |in stop sweatshops |
| | | | |campaigning |
|Is involved in other |Works in a retail store |Knows what “manquila” |Can name a popular brand |Can name a country where |
|social justice activism | |means |known for using sweatshop|Nike shoes are made |
| | | |labour | |
|Knows what a sweatshop is|Can name a celebrity |Has written a letter |Has lived in more than |Knows what a corporate |
| |sponsor for a brand name |supporting a campaign |one country |code of conduct is |
| |company |against sweatshops | | |
|Has bought brand name |Know who Phil Knight is |Know what MSN stands for |Has attended a workshop |Has worked in a sweatshop|
|running shoes | | |on sweatshops | |
|Can name a union that |Is or has been a trade |Can name the largest |Know what ‘NGO’ stands |Know someone who has |
|organizes home-workers in|union member |retailer in Canada |for |worked in a sweatshop |
|Canada | | | | |
TEACHER AID:
Here are some helps with the answers to all our “Sweatshop Bingo” questions.
|Sweatshop: Coined in the 19th century to describe exploitative |MSN: MSN is the acronym for the Maquila Solidarity Network and |
|conditions in subcontract sewing factories, the term “sweatshop” |also for Microsoft Network. Both answers are correct. The first|
|is now used to describe large and small factories with labor |answer earns you extra points |
|rights abuses: long hours, forced over-time, low wages, physical | |
|and verbal abuse. These abuses are also common for home-workers.| |
|Union organizing home workers: The Ontario District Council |Largest retailer: If you count The Bay Zellers as one company, |
|(Canadian) of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union |the Hudson’s Bay Company is tied with Wal-Mart. If not Wal-Mart |
|(ILGWU) (now known as the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial and |is the largest. Both answers are correct. |
|Textile Workers,) was instrumental in forming the Home Workers | |
|Association in 1992. Both ILGWU and UNITE are correct answers. | |
|ILO: International Labor Organization |Sweatshop brand: Unfortunately, no major brand can claim to be |
| |sweatshop free. Almost any answer is correct |
|Celebrity Sponsors: There are hundreds. Michael Jordan for Nike |NGO: Non-governmental organization |
|is probably the most famous | |
|Nike CEO: Phil Knight was Nike’s Chief Executive Officer when on |Nike Shoes: The majority of Nike runners are made in Indonesia, |
|November 19, 1999 Nike’s stock price jumped by 2 points. |but following close behind are China and Vietnam. Canada is not |
|Knight’s one-day gain on paper was $215 million, 10 times the |a correct answer |
|1999 earnings of his company’s 55,000 Indonesian shoe workers | |
|Maquila: Maquilas or maquiladoreas are Latin American |Code of conduct: A corporate code of conduct is a document |
|assembly-for-export facatories. Most maquilas in Central America|outlining the minimum labor standards a company pledges to adhere|
|produce brand-name clothing for the US market |to in the garment, sports shoe and toy sectors. Corporate codes |
| |often apply to supply factories not directly owned by the |
| |companies |
-----------------------
[pic]
Two common misconceptions are that sweatshops only exist in the Third World, and that the most common problem is child labor.
Retailer
50%
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